Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Isabel la Católica 261; 9am-5pm Mon-Sat) Housed in a restored 16th-century build-
ing, exhibits here celebrate rum and sugar cane, two of the country's most important ex-
ports. Displays and photographs explain the history of their production and importance to
the DR's economy. Of course, you can sample the wares at the small bar or buy some to
go.
Museo del Duarte
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MUSEUM
GOOGLE MAP
(Isabel la Católica 308; 9am-5pm Tue-Fri, to noon Sat) The birthplace of Juan Pablo
Duarte has been converted into a modest museum. Three rooms display documents, arti-
facts and photos from his life and from La Trinitaria, the underground independence or-
ganization he founded.
Quinta Dominica
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MUSEUM
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(cnr Padre Billini & 19 de Marzo; 9am-6pm Mon-Sat, to 2pm Sun) This small art gallery,
in a renovated 16th-century home, features ever-changing exhibits of colonial and con-
temporary art. A shady courtyard at the back with tables and chairs provides a great place
to just sit and relax. BYO snacks and drinks.
Churches
Catedral Primada de América
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CHURCH
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(Nuestra Senora de la Anunciacion; 809-685-2302; Parque Colón; adult/child RD$60/free;
8am-5pm Mon-Sat) The first stone of this cathedral, the oldest in operation in the western
hemisphere, was set in 1514 by Diego Columbus, son of the great explorer (the ashes of
both father and son are said to have once resided in the chapel's crypt). Construction,
however, didn't begin in earnest until the arrival of the first bishop, Alejandro Geraldini,
in 1521. From then until 1540, numerous architects worked on the church and adjoining
buildings, which is why the vault is Gothic, the arches Romanesque and the ornamenta-
tion baroque. It's anyone's guess what the planned bell tower would have looked like: a
shortage of funds curtailed construction, and the steeple, which undoubtedly would have
offered a commanding view of the city, was never built.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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